Rain provides respite as Mumbai swelters at 36°C

After experiencing high humidity levels throughout the day, thunderstorms and rain activity lashed Mumbai as well as neighbouring districts of Thane on Thursday evening.

Records from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed that between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm, Colaba recorded 15 mm rain while in eastern suburbs’ Bhandup clocked in 16 mm rain followed by 12 mm rain along LBS road. Officials maintained that railways and traffic remained uninterrupted by the unseasonal showers.

Even as southwest monsoon withdrawal was declared on October 10, the IMD attributed the current spells of rainfall to a persisting upper air cyclonic circulation over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area as well as the easterly and northeasterly winds which set in over southern India in the lower tropospheric levels.

Meteorologists from IMD attributed the mounting discomfort levels, despite the rain activity, to the presence of moisture which has spiked humidity.

The weather bureau has said that rain will continue across several parts of Konkan region over the coming 3-4 days, but is likely to elude Mumbai with IMD forecasting dry weather in the district throughout the weekend, starting Friday.

The temperatures are forecast to register further rise on Friday.